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Your situation is not unusual. Many couples fall into an impulsive marriage and then soon realize that their decision was hasty, or that they did not know their spouses well enough before marrying. Sometimes these marriages are a quick rebound after a divorce, or are a second try with the same person, or they’re a mismatch for a variety of reasons. In other cases, one spouse deceives the other, and the deceived spouse realizes the fraud only after the marriage.
It’s Not the Length of Time that Counts
In any case, the family courts consider a marriage to be short not in terms of time, e.g., years, months, weeks, days, or even a number of hours, but rather in terms of how much commingling of the parties’ finances has occurred. In addition, the existence of a child born from the marriage will negate any thought of the marriage being short.
It’s the Commingling of Finances
To reiterate: it’s the finances. In a very real sense, a marriage is a type of financial contract. The marital property acquired after a marriage would have to be divided or otherwise dealt with even in a short marriage. If a marriage has not resulted in the acquisition by the spouses of property that would be deemed marital property, it makes it that much easier to annul the marriage or achieve a quick divorce.
Or Career Sacrifices
Another factor is whether one spouse has made a career sacrifice due to the marriage. For example, if a woman gives up her career to become a homemaker after the marriage, a family court may consider this an aspect of a more established marriage. Spousal support may be in order.
Talk to a Divorce Attorney
You can discuss your specific circumstances with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer near you and learn about your options. Contact a divorce attorney online today.